Noise Monitoring

Phase 2 Year 5 dredging operations began on May 7, 2015. Monitoring is conducted daily for river and Processing Facility operations during the dredging season. For Phase 2 noise monitoring data, click on the calendar below. Noise monitoring information can also be viewed on the Quality of Life Monitoring Interactive Map. Phase 1 monitoring information is available by clicking on the link at the bottom of the page.

Typical Operations: The noise level is in compliance with the control level and standard.

Control Level: Noise levels are above the control level.

Exceedance Level: Exceedance of the noise standard.

Location

Performance Standard

Short-term

Residential (nighttime)

65 decibels

Residential (daytime)

75 decibels(control level)*80 decibels

Commercial/Industrial (daytime and nighttime)

80 decibels

Long-term

Residential (daytime and nighttime)

65 decibels

Commercial/Industrial (daytime and nighttime)

72 decibels

*Control level is the level at which measures are recommended or required

Goal of the Standard

The goal of the standard is to minimize the effects of noise from the project on the quality of life in the surrounding communities.

What is the Standard?

During Phase 2, the performance standard for noise requires monitoring the sources of noise from the cleanup at the beginning of any operations that could result in increased noise levels compared to Phase 1 operations or compared to previously implemented in Phase 2, or in response to complaints. It establishes standards for short-term operations (construction, dredging, and backfilling) and long-term operations (sediment processing/transfer facilities). The standards vary depending on the time of day (daytime or nighttime) and whether the noise occurs in a residential or commercial/industrial area. The performance standard, displayed at right, sets limits on noise.

How Does the Standard Work?

Monitoring occurs at the beginning of any operations that could result in increased noise levels compared to Phase 1 operations or compared to previously implemented in Phase 2, or in response to complaints.